7th Pay Commission has invited National Council JCM/Staff side for a meeting on 25.02.2015

7th Pay Commission has invited National Council JCM/Staff side for a meeting on 25.02.2015

MEENA AGARWAL
SECRETARY

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
SEVENTH CENTRAL PAY COMMISSION

D.O. No. 7CPC/158/Meetingst2015

18th February, 2015

Dear

The Seventh Central Pay Commission has, from the time of its constitution, engaged with a variety of stakeholders on issues which it has been mandated to cover in accordance with its terms of reference. Based on the wide ranging interaction the Commission has had in the recent months, certain broad issues have emerged before the Commission. The Commission has also been seeking from individual Ministries/ Departments their views on the issues posed, in relation to matters that are relevant to the Ministries.

The Commission has had the occasion to interact with the National Council and its constituents in May 2014. Before the Commission firms up its views on the major issues it is mandated to cover, a discussion with the National Council would be very useful

Accordingly, a meeting of the National Council with the 7th Central Pay Commission has been scheduled at 11.00 am on 25 February, 2015, in the Conference Room, 1st floor, B-14/A, Chatrapati Shivaji Bhawan, Qutub Institutional Area, New Delhi.

Yours sincerely.

(Meena Agarwal)

source-http://ncjcmstaffside.com/2015/7th-pay-commission-invited-national-council-jcmstaff-side-meeting-25-02-2015/

Meeting with the 7th CPC on 25th Feb: NFIR to discuss on Minimum wage, Interim Relief & Merger of DA

Meeting with the 7th Central Pay Commission — reg.

NFIR
National Federation of Indian Railwaymen
3, CHELMSFORD ROAD, NEW DELHI – 110 055
Affiliated to :
Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC)
International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF)

No. IV/NFIRJ7th CPC/Corres/Pt. V

Dated: 18/02/2015

The General Secretaries of
Affiliated Unions of NFIR

Dear Brother,

Sub: Meeting with the 7th Central Pay Commission — reg.

A meeting will take place between the JCM Staff Side and the 7th Central Pay Commission on 25th February 2015. Following issues are expected to be discussed in the meeting:-

(i) Minimum Wage,
(ii) Interim Relief &
(iii) Merger of DA with Pay.

It may also be noted that the Oral evidence on the Memorandum submitted by the Federation will commence from 15th March 2015, but however, the dates will be confirmed later on.

Yours fraternally
Sd/-
(Dr. M. Raghavaiah)
General Secretary

source-NFIR

DR Merger and important 20 points-Bharat Pensioner’s Samaj presentation to 7th CPC

Bharat Pensioner’s Samaj presentation to 7th CPC

By
S.C. Maheshwari
Secretary General Bharat Pensioners Samaj
E-mail: bharatpensioner@gmail.com
Web Sites: www.bharatpensioner.org

Pension is not largesse but a right.
Should be adequate to enable retd.
Employee to live with standard he was living.
There Should be no discrimination on the basis of date of retirement.
Gap between haves & have lots should go on reducing
Healthcare is a fundamental right of ex employee.

Quantum of pension

Pension of Govt. employees need to be 65% of last drawn as per 5th CPC study (TECS ). Correspondingly Family Pension to be 45% of last drawn.Fitment benefit exactly same as for employees. BPS urge 7th pay comm. to recommend accordingly to do justice .

Emoluments for Pension

DA of Govt. employees is part of salary. It compensate fall in purchase value of salary. Should be taken into account for calculation of pension as it affects commutation & future DR

Parity in Pension

Pension of pre & post retired SC,HC judges, CAG, Cab. Secy.& Secy. is at par. One rank one pension has been acceded to Defence forces retirees . Others too are citizens of this Country, then why disrimination.BPS Plead for 100% parity to all Pensioners

Full and modified parity will be meaningless unless the actual grades and grade pays implemented to serving employees on revision are taken into consideration. For some categories especially at lower and middle levels, grades higher than those actually recommended by the Commissions were implemented for employees in service. They were not extended for modified and full parity to those who retired prior to revision in the corresponding posts on the pretext that what were implemented were improved grades and grade pays. This resulted in invidious discrimination against and grave injustice to past retirees. The gap in pensions due to this ever widens not only with every subsequent revision but also whenever additional installment of DR and when additional quantum based on advanced age are granted. Parity, full or modified, will be meaningful and confer real benefit on past retirees only when the actual grades and grade pays implemented for serving employees are taken for this purpose. This injustice is happening only when a higher grade or grade pay is given to a certain category after revision. We respectfully submit that certain sections of past pensioners are not able to get justice in the matter of full/modified parity due to the above discriminatory treatment. A Group-B officer, who retired in III CPC scale had been brought down one scale lower w.e.f., 1.1.96 and to Rs.4200/- GP w.e.f., 1.1.2006 whereas a IV CPC Group-B officer got Rs.4600/- GP w.e.f., 1.1.2006 and a V CPC Group-B officer got Rs.4800/- GP in revision. This injustice has occurred to many categories of pre-2006 retirees. We appeal to the Commission to do full justice to all past retirees in the above regard by making suitable recommendations.

Pre-2006 pensioners were given 40% fitment benefit whereas serving employees were given grade pay. This resulted in grave imbalance between pre and post 2006 pensioners. In order to rectify this, notional fixation has to be extended w.e.f., 1.1.2006 to pre 2006 pensioners taking 50% of corresponding grade pay into account so that they will be brought on a common platform with post 2006 pensioners and they will all get equal justice in the next revision as per VII CPC. We urge the Commission to recommend same fitment benefit to employees as well as pensioners to avoid imbalance between past and future pensioners and also same multiplication factor for revision to one and all to ensure equal treatment

No cut off dates
Revision of Pension by Pay comm. is to neutralize inflationary effect . Inflation affects all equally with- out cut off date. Then why cut off dates for implementation of Pay comm. recommendations?

7th CPC recommendations should apply to all pensioners without cut-off dates .All new benefits to apply to present pensioners. Pension of all should rise by equal % to ensure equality

Minimum-Maximum Ratio

Ratio mini- max. emoluments i.e. Basic + DA+IR was down to 1:8 on 1.7.96 prior to Vth CPC implementation. 7CPC must bring it back to that level.

Gulf between highest & lowest paid

Huge gulf between lowest & highest pension need to be narrowed, should not be more than 1:8.Revise pay/pension of top person first, divide it by 8 to calculate minimum.

Any attempt to increase highest & lowest paid ratio in Govt jobs will be disastrous and against the preamble to constitution

Additional old age pension

100 yrs of age for a pensioner is illusionary BPS requests the Hon’ble comm. to review existing dispensation & to recommend 10%upward increase in pension every 5 yrs from 65yrs to 75yrs , 20% every 5yrs from 75- 85yrs & finally increasing pension to 100% at 90 yrs of age. As in the present scenario old age disabilities/diseases set-in right from 60 yrs of age & go on manifesting v. fast needing additional medical & caregiver expenditure.

Pension to be net of Income Tax

Purchase value of pension gets reduced day by day due to steep rise in food, medical & transport cost. Net worth of a pensioner gets considerably reduced at year end compared to the beginning of the year. To enable a pensioner in the evening of life to live with minimum comfort, BPS appeals that Pension may be exempted from Income tax.

DR Merger

BPS requests the pay comm. to recommend merger of Dearness allowance with basic pension whenever it goes 50% or beyond.

Due to inherent flaws in the method of inflation index calculation which is based on WPI. DR is never sufficient to afford 100% neutralization. Whenever DR rise to 50% & above, it results in considerable erosion of financial position of Pensioners

Ex- servicemen status

Defence civilian are paid from defence budget. Are accorded Rank equivalency. BPS urge pay comm. To recommend ex- servicemen status to retd. Defence civilians

BSNL pensioners

BSNL pensioners are governed by Rule 137A of CCS (Pension)Rules 1972. BPS pleads that they be treated at par with C .G. Pensioners for pension fixation.

Family pensioners other than spouse

Family pension is restricted to daughters who become divorcee or widow during the life time of Parents. Social Structure always force a widow or divorced lady to return to parental home. In the absence of parents illiterate ladies have to feed themselves & children by doing menial jobs & living as destitutes. Removal of present restriction will help these ladies to lead honorable life. BPS appeals to hon’ble comm. to consider the issue on humanitarian grounds & to recommend removal of this restriction .

Injustice to those born on Ist jan & on Ist july

Modified FR56(a) requires every one whose date of birth is the first of month to retire from service on the afternoon of last day of preceding month on attaining superannuation age. As a result, those born on Ist of Jan loose pay & pension revision benefits due to pay comm. recommendations and those born on Ist july loose benefit of one increment. They are deprived of equality of status. Hon’ble pay comm. is requested to set right the discrepancy.

Gratuity

We suggest that the gratuity may be calculated on the basis of 26 effective days as against 30 days in a month.

The ceiling of 16.5 times should also be removed.

Health care

Healthcare is not a luxury to be in possession of privileged few. All Govt. pensioners must be issued smart cards for cashless treatment in emergencies in any empanelled/NABH accredited hospital in the country. BPS requests the Honourable commission to recommend accordingly

Quality healthcare

To ensure quality healthcare to pensioners . Periodically upgrade CGHS rates, to keep these compatible to market rates. Exercise rate & quality control on Govt. empanelled hospitals

Hospital Regulatory authority

Constitute hospital regulatory authority to monitor quality & rates of empanelled & NABH /NABL accredited hospitals / Labs to ensure quality healthcare at affordable rates.

Fixed Medical allowance

As is recorded in Para 5 of the minutes of Committee of Secretaries (COS) held on 15.04.2010. OPD cost per CGHS card holder was Rs1369/ PM in 2007-8. With inflation, it is well over Rs 2500/PM now.EPFO baneficiaries already getting RS 2000/PM FMA wef June.013. Hon’ble comm. is requested to recomend Rs 2500/FMA w/o distance restriction, net of Income Tax and allowingDR on it.

Grievance redressal

There should be an effective redressal mechanism with a strict Time line & punitive clause for violation of time line. Any court judgement involving a common policy matter of Pay/Pension should be extended automatically to similarly placed employees/Pensioners without driving every affected person to court of Law.BPS, therefore, appeal to Hon’ble Comm. to recommend accordingly.

Immediate relief

Pending submission of commission’s report & implementation of its recommendations . As an immediate measure to partially mitigate sufferings of pensioners, BPS appeal to the Hon’ble comm. to immediately recommend merger of 50% DR with basic pension & an interim relief of 20% of existing pension.

General

1.Federations of C.G. Pensioners’ associations be granted recognition by Government. 2.Pensioners’ representatives should be included in various Committees & Forums wherein issues relating to pensioners’ are discussed & decided. 3.SCOVA may be upgraded to JCM level. 4.Scope of Pension Adalats be widened to include Genl.Grievances& Pensioners associations may be permitted to present pensioners cases in Pension Adalats.

source-http://scm-bps.blogspot.in/

Proposal for cadre restructuring of IP/ASP cadre and merger of ASP cadre to PS Gr. B cadre

All members and track in viewers are aware that General Secretary has already submitted cadre structuring of Inspector Posts and merger of ASP cadre in to PS Gr. B cadre proposal to Directorate under letter No. GS/AIAIASP/Merger-ASP/2013 dated 9/1/2015. Now, Establishment division of Directorate has called for following information from all Circles to confirm the data mentioned in the proposal.  

Sanctioned strength of ASP posts in Class-I Postal Divisions	Sanctioned strength of ASP posts in Class-I RMS Divisions	Sanctioned strength of ASP posts in GPO having Class-I status	Sanctioned strength of ASP posts in HPOs having Class-I status	Sanctioned strength of ASP posts in Circle/ Regional Offices

To speed up the cadre structuring issue at Directorate, there is need of submission of requisite information as early as possible by each and every circle. It is therefore requested to all members, especially Circle Secretaries and IP/ASPs working in Circle Offices to ensure submission of information of their circles on or before 2^nd February 2015 itself to Directorate and give the details to GS by email.

It is learnt that Jharkhand Circle has submitted following information to Directorate.

Sanctioned strength of ASP posts in Class-I Postal Divisions	Sanctioned strength of ASP posts in Class-I RMS Divisions	Sanctioned strength of ASP posts in GPO having Class-I status	Sanctioned strength of ASP posts in HPOs having Class-I status	Sanctioned strength of ASP posts in Circle/ Regional Offices
16	Nil	Nil	Nil	6

Interim Relief and DA Merger

Central Govt refused Interim Relief and DA Merger – Assured for 7th CPC Report on time

New Delhi, Government would have to bear burden of Rs. 10000 crore rupees in case dearness allowance of central government employees is merged and till the implementation of seventh pay commission report government will neither give interim relief nor merge dearness allowance in basic pay for central government employees.

Central government has flatly refused to give two thousand interim relief to 34 lakhs of its employees. Chairman of seventh pay commission Justice Ashok Kumar Mathur has refused to oblige on this issue. He further reiterated that provision of giving interim or merger of dearness allowance hasn’t been there in the terms of reference for seventh pay commission.

Pay commission has asked representatives of employee union to move to dopt or Ministry for Finance for interim or da merger. Representatives of Joint Consultative Machinery then met the oflicials of DOPT and Ministry of Finance on the issue, but both department refused to give any assurance on these issues, rather assured JCM members that pay commission report will be implemented on time.

But employees’ unions are not impressed; JCM says that no pay commission has ever presented its report before two years. Employees’ unions are also raising the demand to resolve the anomalies of sixth pay commission which are still lying pending. JCM members also demanded that interim relief may be taken into account in the report of seventh pay commission; this has also been out justifyly rejected by government. JCM had requested to merger dearness allowance with effect from lst January 2014. Total expenditure on interim relief and merger of dear allowance will respectively be Rs. 800 crore and ten thousand crore.

On the other hand pay commission is doing its work on the daily routine basis. Pay commission has recently visited Kolkatta and Andaman Nicobar islands on Jan 11 14 respectively. Now the pay commission has decided to have evidence meeting with JCM staff side in February.

Till date central government has notified six pay commissions before notifying seventh in February 2014. First central pay commission was notified in 1946, Second CPC in 1957, Third CPC in 1970, Fourth CPC in 1983, Fifth in 1994 and sixth in 2006.

Government employees to have nice budget this year

Ahead of his first full fledged budget, the Finance Minister Arun Jaitley today said that the NDA government was against raising revenue by imposing higher taxes, instead it would want to leave more money in the hands of consumer to fuel demand and growth.

The minister also pledged to make the budgetary process more transparent so as to present the real picture of public finances before the people. “High taxation is not the only route to achieve the target of larger revenue we are not going to take this route,” Jaitley said while speaking at a fianction of private news channel CNBC Awaaz.

He was replying to a question whether it was possible to increase the income tax payer base from from 3.5 crore to 15 crore. “We believe that the consumer should have money in hand and by spending that money, production will increase and the country will be benefited,” the minister said. The government raised income tax exemption limit from Rs. 2 lakh to Rs. 2.5 lakh in the last budget, he said.

Source : www.govemploees.in

Proper allocation of funds be made for interim relief of 20% and 100% DA merge with basic pay-CTU TO FM

CENTRAL TRADE UNIONS SUBMITS JOINT MEMORANDUM TO FINANCE MINISTER

17th January 2015

The Hon’ble Minister of Finance, Govt. of India,
North Block, New Delhi

Dear Sir,
We thank you for inviting the central trade unions representing the working people in the country in both organized and unorganized sector for this pre-budget consultation.

In the previous pre-budget consultation meeting with you held on 6th June 2014, we urged upon you to please consider a directional change in the economic policy regime from that pursued during the previous government which, you have also admitted, had landed the country’s economy in a bad situation. In fact, we had articulated our views and proposals on that premise. But we like to submit candidly that our proposals did not receive a positive response and the economic policies followed the same trajectory and made situation worse for the mass of the people during the intervening period.

Sir, the Mid Term Economic Analysis (2014-15) by Govt of India itself admitted that for the period under review despite increase in GDP growth rate, and a much bigger increase in profit of the corporate sector and big business lobby, the wages for the working people who actually create the GDP in both rural and urban areas plunged on the average. Overall standard of living of people deteriorated and unemployment situation in the country has not improved in the least. Much more jobs were lost owing to closure/lockout, retrenchment than created during the intervening period. And in the midst of such situation, the Govt has already decided to cut already budgeted expenditure in the social sector such as MNREGA, Health, Education etc which we strongly deplore. Such a phenomenon warranted serious reconsideration on directional change in the economic policy regime and we again urge you for the same.

We express our serious concern and dismay over the manner the Govt have been pushing various major economic policy related decisions through promulgation of Ordinances. At least eight Ordinances were promulgated during last eight months of the new Govt. We record our determined opposition to such practice of Ordinance route of governance. In particular we also oppose the Ordinance on coal sector, insurance sector and on Land Acquisition Act and want you to please take note of the rousing opposition and struggles by the workers and the farmers against such disastrous exercises. We demand all such Ordinances should be withdrawn forthwith.

We wish that our candid observations, considered views and concrete proposals are taken in the right spirit and responded with all seriousness and given appropriate reflections in the ensuing budget 2014-15.

Our proposals:
Some of these specific proposals have time and again been placed by us in various policy making fora including the earlier pre-budget consultations. However, we would like to reiterate them, urging your positive response:

Take effective measures to arrest the spiraling price rise and to contain inflation; Ban speculative forward trading in commodities; Universalise and strengthen the Public Distribution System; Ensure proper check on hoarding; Rationalise, with a view to reduce the burden on people, the tax/duty/cess on petroleum products.

There must be massive investment in the infrastructure in order to stimulate the economy for job creation. The Mid Term Economic Analysis(2014-15) published by Govt of India has clearly mentioned about the failure of the PPP experiments in infrastructure development and opined for public investment. It is our considered view that the Public sector should take the leading role in this regard. The plan & non-plan expenditure should be increased in the budget to stimulate jobs creation and guarantee consistent income to people.

Minimum wage linked to Consumer Price Index must be guaranteed to all workers, taking into consideration the recommendations of the 15th Indian Labour Conference as enriched by Apex Court of the country as reiterated in 44th ILC in 2012. In any case, it should not be less than Rs.15,000/- p.m.

FDI should not be allowed in crucial sectors like defence production, telecommunications, Railways, financial sector, retail trade, education, health and media.

The public sector units played a crucial role during the year of severe contraction of private capital investment immediately following the outbreak of global financial crisis. PSUs should be strengthened and expanded. Disinvestment of shares of profit making public sector units should be stopped forthwith. Budgetary support should be given for revival of potentially viable Sick CPSUs

In view of huge joblosses and mounting unemployment problem, the ban on recruitment in Govt. deptts, PSUs and autonomous institutions (including recent Finance Ministry’s instruction to abolish those posts not filled for one year) should be lifted as recommended by 43rdSession of Indian Labour Conference. Condition of surrender of posts in govt. departments and PSUs should be scrapped and new posts be created keeping in view the new work and increased workload.
§ Proper allocation of funds be made for interim relief of 20% and 100% DA merge with basic pay and allowances including neutralization percentage be paid on merged DA in view of 7th CPC to all Govt. employees. Similarly, 100% DA of PSU employees be also merged with basic pay.

The scope of MGNREGA be extended to agriculture operations and urban areas as well and employment for minimum period of 200 days with guaranteed statutory wage be provided, as unanimously recommended by 43rd Session of Indian Labour Conference. The drastic cut already inflicted on the MNREGA allocation should be restored.
The massive workforce engaged in ICDS, Mid-day meal scheme, Vidya volunteers, Guest Teachers, Siksha Mitra, the workers engaged in the Accredited Social Health Activities (ASHA) and other schemes be regularized. No to privatization of centrally funded schemes. Universalisation of ICDS be done as per Supreme Court directions by making adequate budgetary allocations.

Steps be taken for removal of all restrictive provisions based on poverty line in respect of eligibility coverage of the schemes under the Unorganised Workers Social Security Act 2008 and allocation of adequate resources for the National Fund for Unorganised Workers to provide for Social Security to all unorganized workers including the contract/casual and migrant workers in line with the recommendations of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Labour and also the 43rd Session of Indian Labour Conference.

Remunerative Prices should be ensured for the agricultural produce and Govt. investment public investment in agriculture sector must be substantially augmented as a proportion of GDP and total budgetary expenditure. It should also be ensured that benefits of the increase reach the small, marginal and medium cultivators only;
Budgetary provision should be made for providing essential services including housing, public transport, sanitation, water, schools, crèche health care etc. to workers in the new emerging industrial areas. Working women’s hostels should be set up where there is a concentration of women workers.

Requisite budgetary support for addressing crisis in traditional sectors like Jute, Textiles, Plantation, Handloom, Carpet and Coir etc.
Budgetary provision for elementary education should be increased, particularly in the context of the implementation of the ‘Right to Education’ as this is the most effective tool to combat child labour.

The system of computation of Consumer Price Index should be reviewed as the present index is causing heavy financial loss to the workers.
Income Tax exemption ceiling for the salaried persons should be raised to Rs.5 lakh per annum and fringe benefits like housing, medical and educational facilities and running allowances, Railways Running Staff and a staff in other deptts should be exempted from the income tax net in totality.

Threshold limit of 20 employees in EPF Scheme be brought down to 10 as recommended by CBT-EPF. Pension benefits under EPS unilaterally withdrawn by the Govt. should be restored. Govt. and Employers contribution be increased to allow sustainability of Employees Pension Scheme and for provision of minimum pension of Rs.3000/- p.m.
New Pension Scheme be withdrawn and newly recruited employees of central and state govts on or after 1.1.2004 be covered under Old Pension Scheme;
Demand for Dearness Allowance merger by Central Govt. and PSUs employees be accepted and adequate allocation of fund for this be made in the budget;
All interests and social security of the domestic workers to be statutorily protected on the lines of the ILO Convention on domestic workers.
The Cess Management of the construction workers is the responsibility of the Finance Ministry under the Act and the several irregularities found in collection of cess be rectified as well as their proper utilization must be ensured.

In regard to resource mobilization, we would like to emphasize the following:

A progressive taxation system should be put in place to ensure taxing the rich and the affluent sections who have the capacity to pay at a higher degree. The corporate service sector, traders, wholesale business, private hospitals and institutions etc. should be brought under broader and higher tax net. Increase taxes on luxury goods and reduce indirect taxes on essential commodities as at present the overwhelming majority of the populations are subjected to Indirect taxes that constitute 86% of the revenue.

§ Concrete steps must be taken to recover huge accumulated unpaid tax arrears which has already crossed more than Rs.5 lakh crore on direct and corporate tax account alone, and has been increasing at a geometric proportion. Such huge tax-evasion over and above the liberal tax concessions already given in the last two budgets should not be allowed to continue.

The SIT constituted for unearthing black money must deliver visible result which is yet to be seen. Effective measures should be taken to unearth huge accumulation of black money in the economy including the huge unaccounted money in tax heavens abroad and within the country. Finance Minister should make provisions to bring back the illicit flows from India which are at present more than twice the current external debt of US $ 230 billion. This money should be directed towards providing social security.

Concrete measures be expedited for recovering the NPAs of the banking system which is on the increasing trend again from the willfully defaulting corporate and business houses. By making provision in Banking Regulations Act, CMDs and Executives to be made accountable for creation of NPAs.

Tax on Long term capital gains to be introduced; so also higher taxes on the security transactions to be levied.

The rate of wealth tax, corporate tax, gift tax etc. to be expanded and enhanced.

ITES, outsourcing sector, Educational Institutions and Health Services etc. run on commercial basis should be brought under Service Tax net. Govt.

Small saving instruments under postal and other agencies be encouraged by incentivizing commission agents of these scheme

OUR SERIOUS CONCERN:
We would like to express our strong resentment that the previous Govt. failed to positively respond to the collective voice of the Central Trade Unions on the very important issues concerning the working people of India, both organized and unorganized, consistently repeated in the form of a ‘10 point charter’ backed by several collective nationwide programmes. We expect that this Govt. will take initiative to discuss these issues with the Central Trade Unions in order to find a solution.

We also express our opposition to the so called Banking Reforms encouraging private sector/capitalists banking at the cost of public sector banks which saved the economy to an extent during the last global financial meltdown. We also oppose increase in limit of FDI and disinvestment of equity in insurance sector and FDI in pension. We strongly oppose the FDI in Defence and Retail Sector. Several such measures against the working men and women in this country including anti workers proposals contained in the New Manufacturing Policy have our strong opposition, as in our experience these kinds of measures have helped the growth of only a small section of the capitalists while the larger sections of the working population continue to be marginalized and impoverished.

We also oppose the hectic measures of changing labour laws in the name of labour reform both by the central and the state governments which are basically aimed at legitimizing ongoing widespread violations by the employers’ class and also throw out overwhelming majority of the workforce of the purview of the labour laws themselves at the total mercy of the employers.

POST BUDGET MEETING WITH TRADE UNIONS

Successive Finance Ministers have agreed to hold post budget meetings / consultations with the central trade unions. However, it has not been materialized except for one occasion. We understand such meetings did take place with the Corporate Associations/Employers Federations. We would like to importunate upon you to arrange such post budget meeting with trade unions also.

With regards,
Yours sincerely,

Brijesh Upadhyay S Q Jama Harbhajan Singh Sidhu D L Sachdeva
BMS INTUC HMS AITUC

Tapan Sen R K Sharma S P Tewari Monali Santosh Roy
CITU AIUTUC TUCC SEWA AICCTU

Ashok Ghosh Shanmugan
UCTU LPF

Source-http://aiamshq.blogspot.in/

Central Trade Unions submits Joint Memorandum including DA Merger and 5 Lakh IT Exemption to Finance Minister

Central Trade Unions submits Joint Memorandum including DA Merger and 5 Lakh IT Exemption to Finance Minister

CENTRAL TRADE UNIONS SUBMITS JOINT MEMORANDUM TO FINANCE MINISTER

17th January 2015

The Hon’ble Minister of Finance, Govt. of India,
North Block, New Delhi

Dear Sir,
We thank you for inviting the central trade unions representing the working people in the country in both organized and unorganized sector for this pre-budget consultation.

In the previous pre-budget consultation meeting with you held on 6th June 2014, we urged upon you to please consider a directional change in the economic policy regime from that pursued during the previous government which, you have also admitted, had landed the country’s economy in a bad situation. In fact, we had articulated our views and proposals on that premise. But we like to submit candidly that our proposals did not receive a positive response and the economic policies followed the same trajectory and made situation worse for the mass of the people during the intervening period.

Sir, the Mid Term Economic Analysis (2014-15) by Govt of India itself admitted that for the period under review despite increase in GDP growth rate, and a much bigger increase in profit of the corporate sector and big business lobby, the wages for the working people who actually create the GDP in both rural and urban areas plunged on the average. Overall standard of living of people deteriorated and unemployment situation in the country has not improved in the least. Much more jobs were lost owing to closure/lockout, retrenchment than created during the intervening period. And in the midst of such situation, the Govt has already decided to cut already budgeted expenditure in the social sector such as MNREGA, Health, Education etc which we strongly deplore. Such a phenomenon warranted serious reconsideration on directional change in the economic policy regime and we again urge you for the same.

We express our serious concern and dismay over the manner the Govt have been pushing various major economic policy related decisions through promulgation of Ordinances. At least eight Ordinances were promulgated during last eight months of the new Govt. We record our determined opposition to such practice of Ordinance route of governance. In particular we also oppose the Ordinance on coal sector, insurance sector and on Land Acquisition Act and want you to please take note of the rousing opposition and struggles by the workers and the farmers against such disastrous exercises. We demand all such Ordinances should be withdrawn forthwith.
We wish that our candid observations, considered views and concrete proposals are taken in the justify spirit and responded with all seriousness and given appropriate reflections in the ensuing budget 2014-15.

Our proposals:
Some of these specific proposals have time and again been placed by us in various policy making fora including the earlier pre-budget consultations. However, we would like to reiterate them, urging your positive response:

Take effective measures to arrest the spiraling price rise and to contain inflation; Ban speculative forward trading in commodities; Universalise and strengthen the Public Distribution System; Ensure proper check on hoarding; Rationalise, with a view to reduce the burden on people, the tax/duty/cess on petroleum products.

There must be massive investment in the infrastructure in order to stimulate the economy for job creation. The Mid Term Economic Analysis(2014-15) published by Govt of India has clearly mentioned about the failure of the PPP experiments in infrastructure development and opined for public investment. It is our considered view that the Public sector should take the leading role in this regard. The plan & non-plan expenditure should be increased in the budget to stimulate jobs creation and guarantee consistent income to people.

Minimum wage linked to Consumer Price Index must be guaranteed to all workers, taking into consideration the recommendations of the 15th Indian Labour Conference as enriched by Apex Court of the country as reiterated in 44th ILC in 2012. In any case, it should not be less than Rs.15,000/- p.m.

FDI should not be allowed in crucial sectors like defence production, telecommunications, Railways, financial sector, retail trade, education, health and media.

The public sector units played a crucial role during the year of severe contraction of private capital investment immediately following the outbreak of global financial crisis. PSUs should be strengthened and expanded. Disinvestment of shares of profit making public sector units should be stopped forthwith. Budgetary support should be given for revival of potentially viable Sick CPSUs

In view of huge joblosses and mounting unemployment problem, the ban on recruitment in Govt. deptts, PSUs and autonomous institutions (including recent Finance Ministry’s instruction to abolish those posts not filled for one year) should be lifted as recommended by 43rdSession of Indian Labour Conference. Condition of surrender of posts in govt. departments and PSUs should be scrapped and new posts be created keeping in view the new work and increased workload.

Proper allocation of funds be made for interim relief of 20% and 100% DA merge with basic pay and allowances including neutralization percentage be paid on merged DA in view of 7th CPC to all Govt. employees. Similarly, 100% DA of PSU employees be also merged with basic pay.

The scope of MGNREGA be extended to agriculture operations and urban areas as well and employment for minimum period of 200 days with guaranteed statutory wage be provided, as unanimously recommended by 43rd Session of Indian Labour Conference. The drastic cut already inflicted on the MNREGA allocation should be restored.

The massive workforce engaged in ICDS, Mid-day meal scheme, Vidya volunteers, Guest Teachers, Siksha Mitra, the workers engaged in the Accredited Social Health Activities (ASHA) and other schemes be regularized. No to privatization of centrally funded schemes. Universalisation of ICDS be done as per Supreme Court directions by making adequate budgetary allocations.

Steps be taken for removal of all restrictive provisions based on poverty line in respect of eligibility coverage of the schemes under the Unorganised Workers Social Security Act 2008 and allocation of adequate resources for the National Fund for Unorganised Workers to provide for Social Security to all unorganized workers including the contract/casual and migrant workers in line with the recommendations of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Labour and also the 43rd Session of Indian Labour Conference.

Remunerative Prices should be ensured for the agricultural produce and Govt. investment public investment in agriculture sector must be substantially augmented as a proportion of GDP and total budgetary expenditure. It should also be ensured that benefits of the increase reach the small, marginal and medium cultivators only;

Budgetary provision should be made for providing essential services including housing, public transport, sanitation, water, schools, crèche health care etc. to workers in the new emerging industrial areas. Working women’s hostels should be set up where there is a concentration of women workers.

Requisite budgetary support for addressing crisis in traditional sectors like Jute, Textiles, Plantation, Handloom, Carpet and Coir etc.

Budgetary provision for elementary education should be increased, particularly in the context of the implementation of the ‘justify to Education’ as this is the most effective tool to combat child labour.

The system of computation of Consumer Price Index should be reviewed as the present index is causing heavy financial loss to the workers.

Income Tax exemption ceiling for the salaried persons should be raised to Rs.5 lakh per annum and fringe benefits like housing, medical and educational facilities and running allowances, Railways Running Staff and a staff in other deptts should be exempted from the income tax net in totality.

Threshold limit of 20 employees in EPF Scheme be brought down to 10 as recommended by CBT-EPF. Pension benefits under EPS unilaterally withdrawn by the Govt. should be restored. Govt. and Employers contribution be increased to allow sustainability of Employees Pension Scheme and for provision of minimum pension of Rs.3000/- p.m.

New Pension Scheme be withdrawn and newly recruited employees of central and state govts on or after 1.1.2004 be covered under Old Pension Scheme;

Demand for Dearness Allowance merger by Central Govt. and PSUs employees be accepted and adequate allocation of fund for this be made in the budget;

All interests and social security of the domestic workers to be statutorily protected on the lines of the ILO Convention on domestic workers.

The Cess Management of the construction workers is the responsibility of the Finance Ministry under the Act and the several irregularities found in collection of cess be rectified as well as their proper utilization must be ensured.

In regard to resource mobilization, we would like to emphasize the following:

A progressive taxation system should be put in place to ensure taxing the rich and the affluent sections who have the capacity to pay at a higher degree. The corporate service sector, traders, wholesale business, private hospitals and institutions etc. should be brought under broader and higher tax net. Increase taxes on luxury goods and reduce indirect taxes on essential commodities as at present the overwhelming majority of the populations are subjected to Indirect taxes that constitute 86% of the revenue.

Concrete steps must be taken to recover huge accumulated unpaid tax arrears which has already crossed more than Rs.5 lakh crore on direct and corporate tax account alone, and has been increasing at a geometric proportion. Such huge tax-evasion over and above the liberal tax concessions already given in the last two budgets should not be allowed to continue.

The SIT constituted for unearthing black money must deliver visible result which is yet to be seen. Effective measures should be taken to unearth huge accumulation of black money in the economy including the huge unaccounted money in tax heavens abroad and within the country. Finance Minister should make provisions to bring back the illicit flows from India which are at present more than twice the current external debt of US $ 230 billion. This money should be directed towards providing social security.

Concrete measures be expedited for recovering the NPAs of the banking system which is on the increasing trend again from the willfully defaulting corporate and business houses. By making provision in Banking Regulations Act, CMDs and Executives to be made accountable for creation of NPAs.

Tax on Long term capital gains to be introduced; so also higher taxes on the security transactions to be levied.

The rate of wealth tax, corporate tax, gift tax etc. to be expanded and enhanced.

ITES, outsourcing sector, Educational Institutions and Health Services etc. run on commercial basis should be brought under Service Tax net. Govt.

Small saving instruments under postal and other agencies be encouraged by incentivizing commission agents of these scheme

OUR SERIOUS CONCERN:
We would like to express our strong resentment that the previous Govt. failed to positively respond to the collective voice of the Central Trade Unions on the very important issues concerning the working people of India, both organized and unorganized, consistently repeated in the form of a ‘10 point charter’ backed by several collective nationwide programmes. We expect that this Govt. will take initiative to discuss these issues with the Central Trade Unions in order to find a solution.
We also express our opposition to the so called Banking Reforms encouraging private sector/capitalists banking at the cost of public sector banks which saved the economy to an extent during the last global financial meltdown. We also oppose increase in limit of FDI and disinvestment of equity in insurance sector and FDI in pension. We strongly oppose the FDI in Defence and Retail Sector. Several such measures against the working men and women in this country including anti workers proposals contained in the New Manufacturing Policy have our strong opposition, as in our experience these kinds of measures have helped the growth of only a small section of the capitalists while the larger sections of the working population continue to be marginalized and impoverished.
We also oppose the hectic measures of changing labour laws in the name of labour reform both by the central and the state governments which are basically aimed at legitimizing ongoing widespread violations by the employers’ class and also throw out overwhelming majority of the workforce of the purview of the labour laws themselves at the total mercy of the employers.

POST BUDGET MEETING WITH TRADE UNIONS
Successive Finance Ministers have agreed to hold post budget meetings / consultations with the central trade unions. However, it has not been materialized except for one occasion. We understand such meetings did take place with the Corporate Associations/Employers Federations. We would like to importunate upon you to arrange such post budget meeting with trade unions also.
With regards,

Yours sincerely,
Brijesh Upadhyay-BMS,  S Q Jama- INTUC, Harbhajan Singh Sidhu-HMS, D L Sachdeva-AITUC

Tapan Sen-CITU, R K Sharma-AIUTUC,  S P Tewari-TUCC,  Monali-SEWA,  Santosh Roy-AICCTU

Ashok Ghosh-UCTU, Shanmugan-LPF

Source: http://aiamshq.blogspot.in/

DA Merger Benefit To Casual Labourers-- CHQ Writes To Directorate To Circulate To All Circles

Staff Side NC JCM writes to Cabinet Secretary for Interim Relief, Merger of DA

Staff Side NC JCM writes to Cabinet Secretary for Interim Relief, Merger of DA etc.

Secretary Staff Side NC JCM writes to cabinet secretary regarding demands of central government employees:-

Shiva Gopal Mishra
Secretary

National Council (Staff Side)
Joint Consultative Machinery
for Central Government Employees
13C, Ferozshah Road, New Delhi – 110001
E-Mail : nc.jcm.np@gmail.com

No. NC/JCM/2015

Dated: January 11, 2015

The Cabinet Secretary,
Government of India,
Cabinet Secretariat,
Rashtrpati Bhawan Annexe,
New Delhi

Dear Sir,

I solicit your kind attention to my letter in No.NC/JCM/2014 dated 16 th December, 2014, wherein we had conveyed the decisions taken at the National Convention of representatives of the organisations participating in the JCM. We are distressed that you have chosen not to respond to our letter till date. We have so far not received any communication from any quarter of the convening of the National Council of the JCM. No effort has also been taken by any Ministry to convene the Departmental Councils.

We have now been given to understand that the Government has taken serious steps to set up a corporation to carry on the functions of the 41 ordnance Factories, presently functioning under the Ministry of Defence. We have also noted that the report of the Committee set up by the Government to corporatize the functions of the Postal Department. The inordinate delay in settling the demands for Interim Relief and Merger of DA is causing distress amongst the Central Government employees. The Railwaymen are particularly agitated over the decision of the Government to induct FDI to the extent of 100% in Railways, which we are aware cannot be done without privatisation of the Railways. The declaration of the Convention, which we had forwarded to you vide our letter cited had amply explained the anguish of the Central Government employees.

In order to register our opposition to the recent decision of the Government to corporatize the functions of the Ordnance factories, we have amended Item No.2 of the charter of demands. We send herewith the revised charter of demands.

The National JCA met today and took note of the silence on the part of the Government to our pleadings. The meeting has, therefore, decided to go ahead with the agitational programmes, the first phase of which will culminate in a massive March to Parliament by Central Government employees on 28th April, 2015. If no settlement is brought about on the 10 point charter of demands, we will be constrained to go for an indefinite strike action, the date of commencement of which will be decided on 28 th April, 2015.
Thanking you,

Comradely yours,

(Shiva Gopal Mishra)
Secretary (Staff Side)
NC/JCM & Convener

Copy to: Secretary, DoP&T – for information and necessary action please.
Copy to: Director, JCA – for information and necessary action please.
Copy to: All Constituents of NC/JCM(Staff Side) – for information.

NJCA
National Joint Council of Action
4, State Entry Road New Delhi–110055

No.JCA/2014

Dated: January 11, 2015

Dear Comrades,

As scheduled, the meeting of the National JCA was held at the Staff Side office today, i.e. 11th January, 2015. The list of members who attended the meeting is annexed to this communication. The meeting was chaired by Com. M. Raghavaiah, General Secretary, National Federation of Indian Railwaymen. The meeting made the following observations and took the following decisions:

The Statement made by Shri Narendra Modi, Honourable Prime Minister of the country at Varanasi to the effect that the Railways would not be privatised was misleading and intended to create confusion in the minds of the Railwaymen, especially in the background that the proposal to induct FDI in Railways to the extent of 100% is being pursued vigorously.
The Government has decided to set up a Corporation to carry on the functions of the 41 ordnance factories under the Ministry of Defence.
Except in a few States, the steps required to be taken for form the State level Committees of the JCA have not been undertaken.
In order to expedite the formation of such committee in all States, the NC JCM website will carry the names and addresses of the State leaders of the participating organisations
The Zonal Secretaries of AIRF will be asked to ensure that such committees are formed at all State Capitals before the end of this month and the convention is held on a mutually convenient date for all but before 15th February, 2014.
District conventions or March to Collectorates will be organised by the Committee in all District capitals of the country.
The entire month of March and the first half of April will be utilised for campaigning amongst the employees at all work- spots.
The March to Parliament will be organised on 28th April, 2015.
Every effort will be taken to reach a target of 5 lakh workers to participate in the said March. Target quota for each organisation will be fixed.
The State Committees will advise the National Convenor as to which organisations (those CGE organisations who are not presently participating in the JCM must be addressed to join the movement.
The State Committees after the convention will hold Press Conferences to give media publicity to the decisions taken including the decision to go on indefinite strike action.
The National JCA will hold a Press Conference at Delhi prior to the March to Parliament programme.
The Charter of demands will be amended (Item No.2) to include the following words: “and ordnance factories under the Ministry of Defence.”
Reminder letter will be sent to the Cabinet Secretary expressing distress over his silence and the non convening of the National Council, Anomaly Committee and Departmental Councils of the JCM.
The Convenor reported that the 7th CPC has informed him of their intention to convene the meeting of the organisations for tendering oral evidence in the month of February, 2015.

sd/-
(Shiva Gopal Mishra)
Convenor

List of Members who participated in the meeting:
Comrades Rakhal Das Gupta & Shiva Gopal Misra(AIRF), Guman Singh & M. Raghavaiah(NFIR) S.N. Pathak & C. Srikumar(AIDEF), K.K.N. Kutty,(Confederation) Giriraj Singh,(NFPE) Ashok Singh &, R. Srinivasan (INDWF) and S.K. Vyas.(Confederation).
Source: www.ncjcmstaffside.com

Proposal for cadre restructuring of IP/ASP cadre and merger of ASP cadre to PS Gr. B cadre

No. GS/AIAIASP/Merger-ASP/2013                             dated : 9/1/2015

To,

The Director General,

Department of Posts,

Dak Bhavan, Sansad Marg,

New Delhi 110 001.

Subject:   Minutes of the meeting held on 28.11.2014 with representatives of All India Association of Inspectors and Assistant Superintendents, Posts.

Ref.      :  Dte Letter No. 25-35/2011-PE-I dated 3^rd December, 2014

Respected Madam,

At the outset, I would like to thank Directorate for convening cadre restructuring meeting of IP/ASP cadre and merger of ASP cadre to PS Gr. B cadre. The concern shown by the Administration to resolve this long pending demand is highly appreciable, and we thanks for the same.

This Association would like to bring to your kind notice that fifth CPC in para 32 Appendix 1 of volume 3 acknowledged that cadre review has become part of rules and they are to be mandatorily held once in 5 years. Contrary to it, no cadre review took place for IP/ASPs since 1979. Second cadre review that envisaged upgradation of 245 posts for IP/ASP to PSS Group ‘B’ on matching saving basis has not been implemented so far though a span of 25 years have elapsed . These orders were issued vide PE memo No. 28-29/87- PE I dated 20-08-1990. Apparently the period was enough to carry out 5 cadre reviews for IP/ASPs but this has not been done, whereas this took place for other cadres to the agony of IP/ASP.

As discussed in the aforesaid meeting, a fresh proposal however is hereby re-submitted for kind consideration.

A)           Present status of posts :

1)    Total posts of Inspector Posts as on date                           :         2106

2)    Total posts of Assistant Superintendents as on date          :         1990

Out of 1990 ASPs, 282 ASPs are available in Circle/Regional Offices.

3)    No. of Class-I (Postal) divisions as on date                        :           176

4)    No. of Class-I (RMS) divisions as on date                          :             15

5)    No. of GPOs having Class-I status (including JAG)             :             03

6)    No. of HPOs having Class-I status                                     :             04

B)   As on date GP of below mentioned three cadres are as under :

Inspector Posts (IP)                    : Rs. 4200/-

Assistant Supdt. Posts (ASP)      : Rs. 4600/-

PS Gr. B                                     : Rs. 4800/-

C)   Following no. of posts are proposed for up-gradation from ASP cadre to PS Gr. B cadre :

One post of ASP from Class-I Postal Dn to PS Gr. B           :           176

One post of ASP from Class-I RMS Dn to PS Gr. B             :             15

         One post of ASP from GPO whose incharge is Class-I         :               3

         One post of ASP from Class-I HO                                       :               4

         50% posts of ASPs from s/s of ASPs of Circle/Regional Offices:      141

         Total posts proposed for upgradation from ASP to PS Gr. B:            339

D)   Additional expenditure :

The difference of GP between PS Gr. B and ASP is Rs. 200/- only.

          Net effect including DA, HRA etc. would be Rs. 425/- only.

If 339 ASP cadre posts are upgraded to PS Gr. B cadre then monthly additional expenditure would be as under:

         

339 x Rs.425/-       = Rs. 1,44,075/- per month

          Annual additional expenditure would be as under: 

Rs. 1,44,075/- x 12 = Rs. 17,28,900/- per annum (rounded to Rs. 17.5 lacs)

E)   Matching savings for up-gradation of ASP posts to PS Gr. B posts:

Average pay of one Inspector Posts is Rs. 35000/- per month (appx).

12 month’s pay would be Rs. 35000/-x 12 = Rs. 4,20,000/- (appx)

The resultant savings would be by abolition of 4 Posts of Inspector Posts.

i.e. 18,05,000/4,20,000 = 4.11

One each post of Inspector Posts (PG) from big circles (like Uttar Pradesh / Andhara Pradesh /Maharashtra / Uttar Pradesh / Tamil Nadu may be abolished.

F)   Surrendering 141 posts of HSG-I (IP Line) to HSG-I (GL)

As per the revised RRs of HSG-I cadre, 141 HSG-I (IP Line) posts presently held by ASP cadre are given to General Line.  Therefore Inspector Posts cadre has been deprived from promotional avenues.

G)   Inspector Posts GP should upgraded from Rs. 4200/- to 4600/-.

The pay scales of the post of Income Tax Inspectors under Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) and Posts of Inspector of Central Excise were revised from Rs.5500-9000 to Rs. 6500-10500 as per Office Memorandum dated 21-04-2004. The pay scale of the analogous posts of Assistants/PA's in Central Secretariat Service (CSS) and Central Secretariat Stenographers Service (CSSS) was also upgraded  from Rs.5500-9000 to the scale of Rs. 6500-200-10500 w.e.f 15.09.2006 as per Office Memorandum dated 25-09-2006. However, the pay scale of the Inspector of Post/Inspector of RMS under the Department of Posts has not been upgraded to the scale of Rs. 6500-200-10500 without any justifiable reasons. The revised pay scales have been brought into force with effect from 01-01-2006. Thus the analogous posts of Inspector Posts and Inspector of CBDT/CBEC and Assistants in CSS were brought in the same Pay Band/Scale of PB-2 Rs. 9300-34800 with the same corresponding Grade Pay of Rs. 4200/- w.e.f 01.01.2006. Subsequently, Ministry of Finance issued O.M. dated 13-11-2009 directing that the posts which were in the pre-revised scale of Rs. 6500-10500 as on 01-01-2006 and which were granted the normal replacement pay structure of Grade Pay of Rs. 4200/- in the Pay Band PB-2, will be granted Grade Pay of Rs. 4600/- in the Pay Band PB-2 corresponding the pre-revised scale of Rs. 7450-11500 with effect from 01-01-2006.

H)   Residual ASP Posts :

Remaining 1651 (1990-339) ASPs will work at their respective posts and retained their pay, GP and Gazetted status till their elevation to PS Gr. B cadre or retirement whichever is earlier. These ASPs will be treated as dying cadre posts.

I)     Merged cadre strength and nomenclature :

Existing Inspector Posts             : 2106

Residual ASPs (till its elevation) : 1651

Total                                          : 3757
Abolition of IPs posts                 :    4
Net Total                                   : 3753 

The nomenclature of merged cadre would be “Inspector Posts” Group B with grade pay of Rs.4600/-. 

We hope that this revised proposal will be considered by Directorate.

Yours sincerely,

 Sd/-

(Vilas Ingale)

General Secretary